Famous Town’s Christmas Celebration Begins First Weekend of December

The 2011 Santa Claus Christmas Celebration kicks off on the first weekend of December with holiday-themed family activities and events.

“We celebrate Christmas all year long, but the town goes all out during December,” says Melissa Wilkinson, executive director of the Spencer County Visitors Bureau. “With the lodging packages and special events going on each weekend, the Christmas Celebration is a great way to experience the season.”

This celebration full of family fun will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during the first three weekends of December. Holiday events and traditions throughout America’s Christmas Hometown include:

•    Santa Claus Land of Lights: Family Christmas Light Adventure at Lake Rudolph Campground & RV Resort
•    Santa Claus Arts & Crafts Shows
•    Santa’s Great Big LED Tree of Lights
•    Chestnuts Roasting on an Open Fire at Santa’s Candy Castle
•    Christmas Dinner with Santa at Santa’s Lodge
•    Buffalo & Mistletoe at Buffalo Run Farm, Grill & Gifts
•    America’s Christmas Hometown Pageant
•    Rudolph’s Holiday Hustle, 5K Run/Walk

Special discount lodging packages are available throughout Santa Claus and Spencer County, Indiana. For more information about the Santa Claus Christmas Celebration or a schedule of events, call (888) 444-9252 or visit www.SantaClausInd.org/special-events. Also, find Santa Claus, Indiana, on the Visitor Bureau’s free app for iPhones and Androids by searching “Holiday World & More!” and on any mobile device at http://m.SantaClausInd.org.

Holiday Happenings in Lawrence County

Nov. 19 - 4th Annual Holiday Village Festival, Lawrence County Fairgrounds, Bedford, 9 am - 4 pm. Arts & crafts fair, food, entertainment, children's activities, Santa's arrival. Free admission. Details 812-276-1242.

Dec. 2-3 - Christmas in the Pioneer Village, Spring Mill State Park, Mitchell, 5-9 pm. Stroll the candlelit village, shop for Christmas gifts at the Mercantile, and meet Father Christmas. $5 gate fee. Details 812-849-3534.

Dec. 3 - Bedford Christmas Parade and Festival of Lights, downtown Bedford square, 6 pm parade starts. Horse & buggy rides, chili supper, live music concert, illuminating the downtown lights, "Christmas Lights the Heart" parade. Free admission. www.bedfordchristmasparade.com

Dec. 8-10 - Evening With Santa & Holiday Bazaar, Otis Park, Bedford, 5:30-9 pm. Take a sleigh ride to the top of the hill and visit with Mr & Mrs Claus, storytelling, shopping bazaar with baked goods, arts & crafts, Pampered Chef, Tupperware, Usborne Books, Avon, Tastefully Simple, Boyd's Bears,Twisted Pens, Mary Kay, Scentsy Candles, wreaths, ornaments, & more. Free admission. Details 812-275-5692.

Dec. 9-11, 16-18 - "A Christmas Carol", Little Theatre of Bedford, 8 pm ( 2 pm on the 18th). Come follow Ebenezer Scrooge as he meets the ghosts of Christmases Past, Present and Future. Tickets $12/adult; $9/students. www.ltb.org


Thanks to wbiw.com and tmnews.com for photos

26th Annual Light Up Corydon Event Adds Charity Benefit

Kick off this year’s holiday season on Saturday, November 26^th at the 26^th annual Light Up Corydon Festival on the Square in Historic Downtown Corydon. 

In addition to the familiar activities of this family tradition, Harrison County and its visitors will have a chance to show off their generosity by contributing food items to Harrison County Community Services food bank during the event.  Those bringing a non-perishable food item to Light Up Corydon will automatically be entered into a drawing for a $250 Shopping Spree Giveaway in downtown Corydon.  Schuler Bauer Real Estate Services will handle the food collection and will also accept cash donations for those who come without a food item.  

The Shopping Spree Giveaway is open to those 21 years and older and the winner must be present at the drawing.  “A food drive event coming two days after Thanksgiving is perfect timing for us to replenish our shelves for daily needs and for Christmas baskets,” said Rick Cooper, Executive Director of Harrison County Community Services.

The festival also kicks off sales for the annual Light Up Corydon ornament made by Zimmerman Art Glass Factory.  The ornament will be available for $30 at the Blaine H. Wiseman Visitor Center, Butt Drug’s, The Christmas Goose and Town Square Gallery, while supplies last.  Proceeds go to Main Street Corydon to help with future funding for Light Up Corydon. 

Festivities begin at noon with the merchant open house and free carriage rides around the square.  The historic Governor Hendricks’ Headquarters will host an open house from noon till 6 p.m.  Many other activities are scheduled throughout the day including registration for WKLO’s Kringle Jingle Kash Prize Giveaway.  Santa is expected to arrive just in time to light up the square. Children can visit with Santa and have their pictures made with him inside the First State Capitol.  A complete schedule of Light Up Corydon activities is below.  

For additional holiday happenings in Harrison County, text 839863, visit www.thisisindiana.org or call 1-888-738-2137.

Noon                            Merchant Open House Begins

Noon – 6 p.m.               Governor Hendricks’ Headquarters Open House

1:00 – 6:00 p.m.            Sugar Arts Society silent auction of Gingerbread Houses and a gingerbread ornament decorating station for kids.

2:00 – 9 p.m.                 Free Carriage Rides on the Square

2:00 – 4:00 p.m.            Registration for WKLO Kringle Jingle Kash Prize Giveaway

4:00 p.m.                      Food donations accepted and registration for Shopping Spree Begins – Tent next to Bandstand

4:00 p.m.                      Corydon Dulcimer Society Christmas Program – Wright Interpretive

                                    Center

4:00 p.m.                      Harrison County Homemakers annual Cookie Walk (on the square)

5:00 p.m.                      Christmas Entertainment Begins on the Hurley D. Conrad Memorial Bandstand

6:00 – 8:00 p.m.            Live Nativity Scene – Nativity Collection Display

                                    Corydon United Methodist Church (on the Square)

6:20 p.m.                      Live Storytelling of “Twas the Night Before Christmas”

                                    Hurley D. Conrad Memorial Bandstand

6:40 p.m.                      Santa Lights Up the Square

6:50 p.m.                      Drawing for Shopping Spree

7:00 – 9:00 p.m.            Pictures and Visits with Santa

                                    First State Capitol

Dec. 4, 11, & 18            Pictures with Santa at First State Capitol

1p.m. to 5p.m.

French Lick West Baden Holiday Events

November 12, 2011

9:00 am – 2:00 pm

Orange County HomeGrown Holiday Market – Orleans Elementary School

Enjoy a day of fun for the entire family . . . Music, Food and shopping!  Door prizes drawn every ½ hour.  All items available for purchase are handmade or produced locally.  Bath & Body, Pots/Pottery, Cloth & Fiber Creations, Jewelry, Leather Goods, Paper Goods, Wreaths, Wood Crafts, Home Décor, Baked Goods and other Edibles, Farmers Market Items too! 

November 18, 2011

7:00 pm

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – French Lick Springs Hotel

Join in the celebration as we light the beautifully decorated grounds and Christmas tree at the French Lick Springs Hotel.  There will be carols by the Springs Children’s Choir and fireworks as the tree on the front lawn is lit for the season!  Festivities will be led by Santa & Mrs. Clause.

1-888-936-9360

www.frenchlick.com

November 19, 2011

7:00 pm

Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony – West Baden Springs Hotel

Join in the celebration as we light the beautifully decorated hotel and tree in the Atrium of the West Baden Springs Hotel.  Enjoy joyful holiday music by brass quintet and carols by the piano with Sarah Stivers.

1-888-936-9360

www.frenchlick.com

November 19^th – 23^rd, 2011

Fourth Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair - French Lick Springs Hotel

Find that perfect gift for someone special at the Resort’s 4^th Annual Holiday Arts & Crafts Fair.  Browse a tempting array of holiday ornaments, wreaths, candles, one-of-a-kind collectibles and other assorted handmade arts and crafts.  Located in the Windsor Ballroom.

1-888-936-9360

www.frenchlick.com

November 20, 2011

7:30 pm

Sisters of St. Benedict Holiday Concert – West Baden Springs Hotel

Join the Sisters of St. Benedict for their annual concert in the West Baden Springs Hotel Atrium.

1-888-936-9360

www.frenchlick.com

November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving at French Lick Resort – French Lick Springs Hotel & West Baden Springs Hotel

Bring the whole family and enjoy full Thanksgiving Day spreads at both Resort hotels.

1-888-936-9360

www.frenchlick.com

November 24, 2011

Thanksgiving at Big Splash – Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort

Join the Big Splash Adventure family as we celebrate Thanksgiving with a traditional buffet. 

1-877-936-3866

www.bigsplashadventure.com

December 8, 2011

All day

Orleans Christmas on the Square – Orleans Congress Square

Twinkling lights, Santa’s workshop, storytelling, children’s crafts, live nativity, musical entertainment, food and so much more!

812-865-9930

www.historicorleans.com

December 23^rd – 25^th, 2011

Tropical Christmas – Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort

Celebrate Christmas with the entire family! Story time, holiday contests and activities throughout the Resort!

1-877-936-3866

www.bigsplashadventure.com

December 25, 2011

Christmas Celebration – French Lick Resort

At French Lick Resort, experience a sparkling Holiday Wonderland, take in the sounds of the season, create memories to last a lifetime and indulge in special Christmas Day feasts available through a variety of venues.

1-888-936-9360

www.frenchlick.com

December 26^th – 31^st, 2011

3^rd Annual Vacation with Santa Claus – Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort

Join Santa Claus as he relaxes on his post-Christmas vacation in one of our largest suites! Santa will be flying down the water slides instead of around the world in one night!

1-877-936-3866

www.bigsplashadventure.com

December 31, 2011

Splash into New Year’s – Big Splash Adventure Indoor Water Park & Resort

Ring in the New Year at either of our two celebrations intended for families of all ages.  Food, prizes and entertainment as one year ends and another begins.  Call to make your reservation today!

1-877-936-3866

www.bigsplashadventure.com

December 31, 2011

New Year’s Eve Celebration – French Lick Resort

Whether seeking a luxurious, festive party or something just for the kids, New Year’s Eve activities at French Lick Resort will help you ring in the New Year.

1-866-936-9360

www.frenchlick.com

November and December Events in Spencer County

The 2011 Capitol Christmas Tree will stop in Santa Claus, Indiana, on Monday, November 21. There will be a welcoming ceremony at 3:30 with children’s activities, hot chocolate, and more.

Santa Claus Christmas Celebration includes a lot of events each weekend with a few special events on each weekend so I tried to separate some out but include as much as I could. You can also see events listed on our website event listings – we’re working on getting more events uploaded as they’re confirmed.

The Santa Claus Land of Lights: Family Christmas Light Adventure begins Thanksgiving night. The display will be open Thanksgiving night through the Sunday after Thanksgiving and then nightly from December 2 through 23 and again on December 26 through January 1.

Every Friday during Christmas Celebration -- Christmas Dinner with Santa: Enjoy a traditional family-style Christmas dinner with Santa in the Celebration Room at Santa’s Lodge on December 2, 9, and 16. Doors open at 5:30 CST with festivities starting at 6:00 pm. Dinner will be at 6:30. After dinner, families will have time to get their picture taken with Santa and visit. Reservations are required by calling (812) 937-1902.

Every Saturday & Sunday during Christmas Celebration -- Santa Claus Arts & Craft Show: Shop for special handmade items and all sorts of crafts on Saturdays, December 3, 10, and 17, from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm CST and Sundays, December 4, 11, and 18, from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm at Santa Claus American Legion and Santa Claus Community Center.

Every Saturday -- Chestnuts roasting on an open fire: Experience and learn about the tradition of roasting chestnuts at Santa’s Candy Castle on Saturdays, December 3, 10, and 17, from 6:00 – 8:00. Enjoy a delicious cup of gourmet hot chocolate while you visit.

Miss America’s Christmas Hometown Pageant: Pageant begins at 6:00 at Heritage Hills High School in Lincoln City. See the crowning of Miss Santa Claus, Indiana.

Saturday, December 10:

Rudolph’s Holiday Hustle 5K Run/Walk: Gather your favorite Christmas gear for a fun 5K Run/Walk in America’s Christmas Hometown.

Pancake Breakfast with Santa: Scrumptious pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage links, and more await you at the Santa Claus United Methodist Church from 7:00 to 10:00 am CST. Get your photo with Santa, too! Breakfast is $5 for adults and $3 for children ages 10 and under.

Santa Claus Christmas Parade: See if you can spot Santa in the annual Santa Claus Christmas Parade as it strolls through the magical town of Santa Claus at 1:00 pm CST.

Buffalo and Mistletoe: Ever wonder how the pioneers celebrated Christmas in the 19^th century? Bring the family to learn at Buffalo Run Farm, Grill & Gifts on Saturday, December 10, from 11:00 am to 4:00 pm CST.

Holiday Wine Tasting at Christmas Lake Golf Course: Enjoy tastes from local wineries from 12:00 Noon to 5:00 pm CST on Saturday, December 10. Admission is $10 per person and participants must be at least 21 years of age.

Also…

Christmas Lake Village Festival of Lights: Drive through 9 miles of themed residential light displays in Santa Claus, Indiana, on Saturdays, December 10 and 17 from 5:00 to 9:00 pm CST.

Holiday Open House: Experience the sights of a true pioneer Christmas at Buffalo Run Farm, Grill & Gifts in Lincoln City from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm CST on Saturdays, December 3 and 17. There will be menu specials, prize drawings, and demonstrations. Don’t miss your opportunity to feed the buffalo at 11:00 am.

www.SantaClausInd.org
www.IndianasAbeLincoln.org

Save up to $100 on Large Rooms at Big Splash Adventure!!

You spoke and we listened!  Every time we do a special we  include our Double Splash or Captain's Cabin.  We always   get large families who say, when are you going to have a  discount we can take advantage of?  


Now we are!  Save up to $100 on either the Pirate's Paradise or Pirate's Hideaway   for 5 days ONLY!  Stay November 4-March 15 and receive  up to $100 off.  


Must book by November 8th and mention  "SAVE" when calling 877-936-3866 or enter "SAVE" in the promotional code when making your reservation online.  


Not available with other offers/discounts/promotions/The Polar Express packages.  Based on availability.  Black out dates may apply.

Southern Indiana Desserts: One of a Kind

We just posted some great Southern Indiana dessert recipes from Spring Mill Inn at Spring Mill State Park on our Southern Indiana Cooking Page.